Probably yes, if you have ever spoken it well. However, if you have not
practiced your language for some time, you might need some catching up before you are
fluent again. Reading is, reputedly, the most permanent skill. Anyway, it's a good idea to
have a program that gets you practice your language regularly, like reading newspapers or
cultivating friends from the target country.
There are many ways, depending on where you live, who you are and what part of
the language you want to practice. Most people can get their hands on books
or newspapers (see below), so this is where to begin. Then you can go to
the movies, watch TV or listen to the radio to further practice passive skills. Finally,
in many areas you will find people speaking your target language who organize in cultural
groups etc... that you can contact to speak a little. Last but not least, you could also
travel to the target country once in a while.
On TV if you have a sufficient number of channels. Note that it is possible in
most part of the world to get a satellite dish and then receive what you want (maybe not
sanskrit). Radio is another option, far easier. First of all, you can listen to radios on the internet, but also in your car or with
long waves receivers.
Reading books in foreign languages is smart and enjoyable. They are very easy to
order from the internet. Try to get your hands on lists of foreign language bookshops when
you travel to big cities, and buy books in advance. You may read them two years later, but
you'll have stuff that interests you in your target language. Reading children book or
simplified texts is no fun and should be done, if at all, only by beginners.
Very easy. First check with several newsagents in your city or the biggest close
city. Be sure to visit several and to ask if "they have anything in russian" for
example. The problem is not the newsagent itself but rather the distributor, who makes the
choice. Then, when you have found one you like, you can get a subscription. Actually, most
magazines will ship to your country if you don't mind the delay, so when you travel to
your target country, buy many magazines to inspect them at home.
Also, many magazines and newspapers have websites where you can read some
articles and even purchase the whole edition.
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Disclaimer
I have made every effort to ensure
that this text is free of errors or copyright infringement. Nevertheless, some may have
slipped through. Also, these pages only reflect my opinion on language learning, limited
by my own experiences and knowledge. I invite you to contact me if you feel something is wrong and
should be corrected. (requests about American political correctness will be dismissed)
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